Written by 2025 Summer Intern Nikita Bansal
Abortion is one of the personal – but controversial – topics in American society today. That’s because it touches on not only on politics, but on religion, morality, and fundamental rights. Women get abortions for many reasons; the pregnancy could have resulted from rape or incest, financial reasons, or just personal decisions. Before we delve further into the subject, it is vital to understand what abortion is.
WHAT IS ABORTION
According to MedlinePlus, a website inside the National Library of Medicine, medical procedure that ends an undesired pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the woman’s uterus. The image below depicts a surgical abortion in which doctors use medical equipment in order to remove the embryo or fetus from the womb. Another type of abortion known as medication abortion works by causing cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus of the pregnancy tissue (website: Planned Parenthood).
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING ABORTION
In 1973, Roe v. Wade, a pivotal Supreme Court, gave women the right to have an abortion as it was a part of the Constitution’s right to privacy. This led to progression towards increased women’s freedoms and transformed the United States. However, in 2022, another court case called Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization resulted in Roe v. Wade being overturned. As a result, each state could choose whether they would legally allow abortion and, if they chose to allow the procedure, to what extent. June 24th will mark the 3rd anniversary of this detrimental ruling.
MY PERSONAL VIEWS ON ABORTION
Simply put, I believe abortion is a fundamental right and that women should get to choose what goes on with their bodies. This is something politicians and the government should not encroach on. When Roe v. Wade was overturned, it was the summer before high school for me. I knew then that I wanted to make a difference in the world. I took AP US Government my freshman year and further got interested by government workings and learned even more about abortion and the 14th amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law. After realizing how this ruling is steering society in the wrong decision, I have made sure to inform people about their fundamental rights even outside abortion. I remember how happy I was when Prop 139 was approved last November. Unfortunately, I am not old enough to vote yet, but I encouraged as many people as I could who were able to vote to cast their vote YES. Every vote matters, and even men, who are not directly affected, can make a difference. The Green Wave event, hosted every month, is another way to learn more and support women and healthcare.
UPCOMING EVENT!!!
https://azmirror.com/2024/10/23/doctors-call-on-arizonans-to-vote-yes-on-prop-139
Written by 2025 Summer Intern Nikita Bansal